{{$store.state.data.search.serverData.config.placeholder}}

{{ vm.heading }}

{{ vm.closeTabLabel }}

Notice of updates
!

Since the last time you logged in our privacy statement has been updated. We want to ensure that you are kept up to date with any changes and as such would ask that you take a moment to review the changes. You will not continue to receive KPMG subscriptions until you accept the changes.

Hi
!

Our privacy policy has been updated since the last time you logged in

We want to make sure you're kept up to date. Please take a moment to review these changes. You will not receive KPMG subscription messages until you agree to the new policy.

Close

Hi!

United States – Details on Rules for Employment Authorizations in Compelling Circumstances

United States – Details on Rules for Employment

This GMS Flash Alert reports on a recently issued Final Rule by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services concerning, amongst other things, applying for the “Compelling Circumstances” Employment Authorization Document.

Highlights

Related content

Under new rules1 in the United States, an individual may apply for the “Compelling Circumstances” Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if he or she meets the following eligibility requirements:

1) Is present in the U.S. with the E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, O-1, or L-1 status;

2) Is the principal beneficiary of an Approved I-140 Petition;

3) Demonstrates that no Immigrant Visa is available due to priority date back-logs (as of the date the EAD is filed); and

4) Demonstrates “compelling circumstances.”

WHY THIS MATTERS

Foreign nationals who are in the process of obtaining lawful permanent residence (“LPR”) sometimes face constantly expanding back-logs to processing their applications. As a consequence, these individuals and their dependents may lose their work authorization to continue working in the U.S. through no fault of their own. The Final Rule attempts to provide a stop-gap measure to assist specific categories of foreign nationals in different hardship circumstances by providing them with Employment Authorization while they continue to wait for eligibility to apply for LPR status.

Obtaining Employment Authorization under Compelling Circumstances

If granted, the EAD card will be issued in one-year increments, with the possibility to renew, provided that:

1) the foreign national can still demonstrate compelling circumstances, and a back-logged priority date without an immigrant visa available; OR

2) the difference between the priority date and the ‘Final Action’ date is less than one year (without need to demonstrate compelling circumstances).

Compelling Circumstances

The term “compelling circumstances” is not specifically defined, but the rule provides four (4) examples of persons who meet the compelling circumstances requirement:

1) Serious illness or disability of the foreign national (or dependents) – In this example, the foreign worker or his dependent is facing a serious illness or disability that may require moving to a different area for treatment or substantially changing employment due to new limitations of the ailment or disability.

2) Employer retaliation against the foreign national – If the worker can show that she is involved in a dispute or is the subject of retaliation based on the employer’s alleged illegal or dishonest conduct (including harassment), this would be a potential ground for compelling circumstances.

3) Other substantial harm to the foreign worker – This example is sort of a catch-all, and appears to be intentionally generic. The examples raised in the commentary indicate that the totality of circumstances will be considered, including the well-being of the dependents. Note that approaching a visa status “max” date (the date after which the visa is no longer valid), or other circumstances that are generally considered within the control of the foreign national, will not be considered as compelling circumstances.

4) Significant disruption to the employer – If, for example, the beneficiary is unable to timely extend or change nonimmigrant status, and the loss of the worker would cause the petitioning employer significant disruption, this would constitute compelling circumstances. The comments cite in particular L-1 beneficiaries who, due to restructuring, no longer are eligible for L-1 status. Another example is an H-1B worker employed by a cap-exempt employer, who, due to restructuring, is no longer cap-exempt.

How to Apply

Foreign nationals interested in filing for this type of relief must file the form Form I-765 with the accompanying fees and follow all relevant form instructions. Individuals seeking this form of relief are encouraged to contact an immigration attorney prior to applying, and if possible, having an attorney file the application on their behalf.

KPMG NOTE

As the diversity of the examples given for compelling circumstances demonstrates, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recognizes that there are situations which foreign workers may face with regard to continuing their valid working status while awaiting their permanent residence applications. It appears that USCIS acknowledges these challenges may unfairly prohibit foreign workers from continuing to work in the U.S. and/or continue to pursue their LPR applications altogether. Thus, the Final Rule provides limited relief for specified foreign workers who can demonstrate compelling circumstances.

FOOTNOTE

1 See the Final Rule (PDF 712 KB), as published in the Federal Register.

Flash Alert is an Global Mobility Services publication of KPMG LLPs Washington National Tax practice.
The KPMG logo and name are trademarks of KPMG International. KPMG International is a Swiss cooperative that serves as a coordinating entity for a network of independent member firms. KPMG International provides no audit or other client services. Such services are provided solely by member firms in their respective geographic areas. KPMG International and its member firms are legally distinct and separate entities. They are not and nothing contained herein shall be construed to place these entities in the relationship of parents, subsidiaries, agents, partners, or joint venturers. No member firm has any authority (actual, apparent, implied or otherwise) to obligate or bind KPMG International or any member firm in any manner whatsoever. The information contained in herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm.